The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 8 March, 2002)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 8 March, 2002)
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1. Secretary-1 attends ceremony to honour victorious Myanmar
   U-17 football teamw
2. Chief of Armed Forces Training inspects hostels of
   Nawade column
3. 57th Armed Forces Day commemorative computer quiz held
4. - USDA Secretary-General receives Ambassador
   - Minister receives Chinese delegations
5. - 643 gem merchants arrive
   - Minister views Myanma Gems Emporium
   - Winners of Armed Forces Day poetry competitions
     announced
6. - 51st Central Council Meeting, 7th Conference of MRCS
     to be held
   - Cash donated in honour of MWJA Conference
7. - Construction Minister tours Bago Division
   - Basic Librarianship Course concludes
8. - New three-storey building donated
   - Tourists chartered plane leaves
   - Inter-Ministry Women's Soccer Tournament ends
9. 287 drug cases exposed in January

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( 1 ) Myanmar athletes winning medals in international events due to zeal,
discipline, unyielding spirit and unprecedented encouragement given by nation

Secretary-1 attends ceremony to honour victorious Myanmar U-17 football team

Yangon, 7 March - A ceremony to honour Myanmar youth football team, which won
the championship trophy and the fair play award in the first ASEAN U-17
Football Tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19 February to 2
March this year was held at the Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi here at 7 pm
today, attended by Chairman of the Myanmar National Olympic Council
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the mayor of Yangon, deputy ministers, the
vice-mayor, members of MNOC, officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office, the director-general of the Sports and Physical Education
Depart-ment, officials, representatives of social organizations, presidents
of sports federations, the manager and the coach of the Myanmar youth team
and participants and guests. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an
address on the occasion. He said that it was turning a leave of a new history
of football in Myanmar to win the championship trophy and the fair play award
at a tournament since Myanmar team which used to be a top one in Asia once
was away from the championship trophy for about 30 years.

On behalf of the State, Myanmar National Olympic Council and Myanmar football
fans, the Secretary-1 extended honour to the under- 17 Myanmar football team
which brought honour to the country. The team is worthy of honour because its
members have carried out a national task uplift of national prestige for
being able to make a record in history as the first champion in the First
ASEAN U-17 Youth Football Tournament. Over 30 years ago, Myanmar and its
athletes had a tradition of dominating various sports events including
football in Asia and Southeast Asia. Athletes who were famous not only in
Asia but also in the world used to come out of Myanmar. In Asia youth soccer
tournaments, Myanmar team shared championship trophy four times with
Indonesia in 1961, with South Korea in 1963, with Israel in 1964 and with
Thailand in 1969. And it won championship two times in 1966 and 1972.

Owing to these successes, of the youth team, Myanmar national football team
emerged champion in Southeast Asian soccer tournaments in 1965, 1967, 1969,
1971 and 1973.

Myanmar won the champion in Asian soccer in 1966 and 1970. Afterwards, the
level of the Myanmar sports came to a decline due to various reasons. The
nation did not win any victory in any sports event for a certain period. As
the government holds the conviction

"Winning victories in the international sports events amounts to raising the
prestige of the nation and the people" and " The success in the sport
reflects the cultural standard of the nation and the people and their
progress" it has given encouragement for progress of Myanmar sports with
national outlook. As the State is giving encouragement to the sports, the
departments, social organizations, literary, theatrical, music and motion
picture associations, wellwishers, sports fans and the public are rallying
behind the government in providing assistance for sport development to an
unprecedented degree.

Especially, the national entrepreneurs who are the successful business
persons are giving special encouragement to development of a particular
branch of sports. It is one the significance of the present era. Due to
unprecedented encouragement rendered by the people and the modern sports
equipment and training methods that are available in the nation, the athletes
are able to win medals in the international events with zeal, discipline and
unyielding spirit. In the wushu, judo, weightlifting, bodybuilding, archery,
rowing and yachting, the nation is winning medals in not only the Southeast
Asia level, but also in the international level events. But the soccer, which
can be said the national sports, did not get a victory in any international
event, although the Myanmar teams entered the quarterfinal or the seminal
final or won the second prize due to the people's support. But these results
show that Myanmar soccer was improving stage by stage. Soccer is the most
popular sports in Myanmar.

Thus, it can be said that the success achieved in the sports did not reach
the satisfactory level when pondered with the assistance and support provided
by the government, the public and the national entrepreneurs . He then
praised the Kanbawza Bank Limited for its support to raise the Myanmar soccer
level. Beginning 2000, the bank is providing training cost and the cost of
hiring coaches for the Myanmar selected soccer men and women's teams and the
Myanmar youth team. Moreover, it has borne expenditure for soccer matches,
presented cash awards, sponsored soccer matches, provided assistance for
Myanmar soccer team to take part in matches abroad and given modern sports
equipment, track-suits and transport services. Kanbawza Bank Ltd has provided
K 74.8 million for Myanmar soccer teams at different levels through the
National Olympic Council since year 2000. It has spent K 123.4 million, over
US $ 30,000 and 550,000 baht on sport wares for Myanma selected soccer team
and holding local and foreign soccer matches.

 So, the National Olympic Council greatly thanks and honours Kanbawza Company
Ltd for its contribution to the plan of the Government to improve Myanmar
soccer standard. The Government has held inter-state/division soccer matches,
invitational soccer matches and local soccer matches, and trained new
generation youths for under-16, under-17 and under-20 Myanma selected teams.
The under-17 Myanma selected teams were formed with the youths from various
regions, who were chosen by responsible officials at soccer matches held all
over the nation. Therefore, the new generation youths have bright prospects.
In addition, favourable conditions are emerging to strengthen Myanma selected
team by nurturing new generation youths. As Myanma youths played with
tenacity, perseverance and unity in all the matches, Myanma selected team won
the first under-17 ASEAN soccer championship and fair play award. So they
need to continue to make efforts to be able to win matches in future.

It is believed that if the new generation youths try their utmost, the golden
days of Myanma soccer will come back soon. In conclusion, the Secretary-1
lauded the efforts of the footballers and called on them to continue to try
to achieve more success. The Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented
certificates of honour and honorary awards to manager of the team Deputy
Director-General of SPED U Thein Aung, coaches and participants and the first
session adjourned for a while. Then, the second session followed.

Team Manager U Thein Aung reported on participants made for participating in
the tourney and recounted the experiences. The State Peace and Development
Council presented K 11 million for the victorious youth team; MNOC US$
11,000; MOC US$ 1,100; U Moe Myint (Myint & Associate Co Ltd) US$ 3,000;
Kanzawba Bank K 22 million; Yangon City Development Committee K 4.4 million;
Myanmar Women's Sports Federation K 200,000; Shwe Than Lwin Co K 2.2 million;
A Yar Mye Companies Group K 2.2 million; Silver Elephant Co, Myanma Sunshine
Co and Asia Wealth Bank Ltd and Ruby Dragon Col K 1.1 million each; Panther
Co Ltd and Dagon Team K 500,000 each; Premium Marketing Co Ltd K 307,500; the
Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the
Ministry of Commerce k 450,000 each; Daw Aye Aye Kyi (Myanmar Women's Sports
Federation) K 100,000; the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of
Finance and Revenue K 150,000 each; and Myanmar entrepreneurs in Malaysia and
Myanmar fans 10,593 Malaysia Ringgits through Chairman of Committee for
Ensuring Success of Myanma Sports Mayor U Ko Lay and Chairman of Myanmar
Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. Afterwards,
Myanmar youth team captain Tun Tun Win spoke words of thanks. Later, the
guests, together with the victorious athletes, enjoyed the dinner.

___________________________

( 2 ) Chief of Armed Forces Training inspects hostels of Nawade column

Yangon, 7 March  Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development
Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by
Deputy Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Thein
Swe, inspected the hostels of Nawade column of the 57th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day Parade at Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command Headquarters in
Thanhlyetson, Botahtaung Township, this afternoon. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and party
were welcomed there by Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of
the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen
Myint Swe, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo,
Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Htin Aung Kyaw, Parade Commander Brig-Gen
Hla Tun, the Nawade column commander and officers. Commander of the column
Col Han Sein reported on the accommodation of companies and welfare work at
the office. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win gave necessary instructions. Then, Maj-Gen Kyaw
Win inspected the hostels of the companies, messes, welfare shops and the
information unit, and fulfilled the requirements.
___________________________

( 3 ) 57th Armed Forces Day commemorative computer quiz held

 Yangon, 7 March-A computer quiz competition was held in commemoration of the
57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the 'twelve objectives' booth of the
Directorate of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute on
Shwedagon Pagoda Road in Dagon Township here this morning, attended by
Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo of the Ministry of Defence. Also
present on the occasion were Director of Resettlements of the Ministry of
Defence Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein
Han, Executive of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development
Association U Min Thein, Secretary of Yangon East District USDA U Tin Aung,
Executive of Yangon West District USDA U Moe Win Kyaw, Assistant Lecturer of
the University for Computer Studies U Khin Maung Win, Tamway Township USDA
Executive U San Shein, contestants and others. Brig-Gen Aung Thein explained
the purpose of the competition. USDA members from Tamway, Kamayut and
Thanlyin Townships took part in the competition. Vice-Adjutant-General
Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han viewed the
competition.
__________________________


( 4 ) USDA Secretary-General receives Ambassador

Yangon, 7 March - Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association U Than Aung received Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the
Union of Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov at USDA Head Office this evening. Also
present at the call were CEC members of USDA Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Brig-Gen
Thein Aung and officials of the head office.

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Minister receives Chinese delegations

Yangon, 7 March - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen
Thein Zaw received delegates of ZTE Corporation of the People's Republic of
China Mr Zhang Chong Ke and Mr Jhon Lee, and China National Electronic Import
& Export, Shenzhen Co Mr James Guo and Mr Zhang Jinxiu at his office at 5 pm
and 6 pm respectively. Also present at the calls were officials of Myanma
Posts and Telecommunications.

__________________________

( 5 ) 643 gem merchants arrive

Yangon, 7 March-A total of 643 gem merchants  425 from 186 companies in ten
foreign countries and 218 from 85 local companies  have arrived here to
attend the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium 2002 being held at Myanma Gems Mart on
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. A total of 324 gem merchants are from 147 companies in
Hong Kong, 13 gem merchants from eight companies in Japan, 17 gem merchants
from six companies in the People's Republic of China, 52 gem merchants from
13 companies in Thailand, nine gem merchants from five companies in
Singapore, one gem merchant from one company in Russian Federation, four gem
merchants from three companies in USA, two gem merchants from one company in
Ukraine, one gem merchant from one company in Malaysia, and two gem merchants
from one company in Austria. The gem merchants viewed the gems on display at
the emporium for the third day from 9 am to 5 pm. jade lots will be sold
through tender and competitive bidding on 8, 9 and 11 March 2002.

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Minister views Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 7 March- Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister
for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by Deputy Minister U Myint Thein,
arrived at the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium 2002 at the hall of Myanma Gems
Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon. Secretary of the central
committee Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members
welcomed the minister and the deputy minister at the emporium. Then, the
minister and the deputy minister viewed the private jewellery shops,
jewellery of MGE and mosaic at the ground floor, jade exhibited in the
compound of the building and gems lots and pearl lots at the top floor.
Afterwards, the minister and the deputy minister inspected the auction hall
of Myanma Gems Emporium and extended greetings to local and foreign gem
merchants.

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Winners of Armed Forces Day poetry competitions announced

Yangon, 7 March - As a gesture hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day,
the 27th March, 2002, winners of poetry and arts competitions organized by
the working committee for holding the poetry and arts competitions chaired by
Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu), were announced
today. In long poem level 1, Chit Daung Nwe, Yenantha Maung Kyaw Nyunt and
Maung Wam Tun (Sale) stood first, second and third respectively. Mahura Saw
Lwin (Pakokku), Zalun Lwam Kyaw and Maung Ni Hmaing (Kyauktan) won
consolation prizes.

 In short poem level 1, Aphaukmye Maung Swe Mon won the first prize; Pyinmana
Myint Hlaing, the second; and Maung Maung Moe Aung, the third. Maung Soe Myat
(Chaung Oo), Zarni, Bontaungmye Ne Oo Khet, Pyin Si Aung (Khayadaw) and Maung
Thin Pyant (Kyaikhtaw) won the consolation prizes. In long poem level 2,
Shwenyatha Myat Min stood first; Shwe Aye (Minhla), second; and Swanwai
(Zigon), third. Yin Zaw Oo (Phyu), Maung Thet Hnin (N/Oka), Kyaw Htin Aung
(Hsinhmeswea), Kethayaza (Hpa-an) and Malar Aung won consolation prizes.

In short poem level 2, the first prize went to Chan Aung Myin (Yawmye), the
second prize to Maung Myema (Phabon), and the third prize to Swanwai (Zigon).
Tekkatho Chaw Ei Zin, Min Zan Nay Hlaing (Pwintphyu), Minthwaynwe (Zigon),
Dawbon Maung Hla Chaw, Lwan Htaik Aung (Pinlaung), Ko Yin Chan Myeh, Khunthit
Aung (Yay) and Aung Cheint Moe took away consolation prizes. The poems of the
winners are of high standard and in conformity with Myanmar poem-composing
rules. They expressed the fine traditions of Myanmar Tatmadaw from various
points of view.

 In appreciation of the merits of poets, prizes were increased from 27 to 33.
Prizes will be presented to the winners of the first, second and third prizes
at the prize-presentation ceremony in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary
Armed Forces Day which will be held in Yangon on 27 March 2002, and the rest
will be given at the Armed Forces Day ceremonies of respective commands on
the same day. The first, second and third prize winners are requested to
inform Secretary of the Working Committee Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu
Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor of Naing Ngan Gonyi magazine, Tel : 274532, on
22 March.
___________________________

( 6 ) 51st Central Council Meeting, 7th Conference of MRCS to be held

Yangon, 7 March - The 51st Central Council Meeting and 7th Conference of the
Myanmar Red Cross Society will be held at the assembly hall of the Institute
of Nursing in Yangon at 9 am on 8 April 2002 (Monday) and on 9 April
(Tuesday) 2002, respectively, it is learnt.

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Cash donated in honour of MWJA Conference

Yangon, 7 March - Hailing the third Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association Conference, Vice-Chairman of the committee for compiling the book
"Nation-building endeavours (Vol.4)" Adviser to the Ministry of Information U
Kyaw Hsan (Thu Khi Aung), on behalf of the committee, donated K 50,000 to the
MWJA at a ceremony held at the parlour of the Sarpay Beikman Building on
Merchant Street this morning. Present on the occasion were MWJA Chairman U
Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha), Secretary
U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe),
CEC member U Khin Swe (Shwe Sun Nyo), Chief Editor of Naing Ngant Gonyi
magazine U Ohn Maung (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe) and officials. Vice-Chairman U
Kyaw handed over 50,000 kyats to MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), who
later presented a certificate of honour to the wellwisher. Afterwards, the
ceremony came to an end.
___________________________

( 7 ) Construction Minister tours Bago Division

Yangnon, 7 March - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by
officials, arrived at the site chosen for construction of a bridge across the
Sittaung River yesterday. Bago Division Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lwin
reported on the tentatively chosen sites for construction of the bridge. The
minister gave instructions. The minister and party then proceeded to the site
of Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) Project. At the briefing hall, Deputy
Superintending Engineer U Win Aung and officials reported on progress of
construction of approach roads, the approach bridge and piers of the main
bridge and future tasks. The minister spoke of the need for the officials
concerned to try to complete the project as scheduled, and fulfilled the
needs of construction materials.

Next, the minister and party went to the site of Ye Nwe Bridge Project on
Yangon-Mandalay Highway. At the briefing hall, they heard a report presented
by Senior Engineer Daw Si Si Than on progress of work. The minister gave
instructions on constructing the bridge under the supervision of officials in
order to complete it as scheduled. He attended to the requirements. Later,
the minister left for the site of Baidah Creek Bridge Project, where
in-charge Engineer U Myint Lwin reported on progress of construction of the
approach bridge, the work being carried out for installation of concrete
beams and arrangements to floor the bridge. The minister left necessary
instructions and attended to the needs.

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Basic Librarianship Course concludes

Yangon, 7 March - Basic Librarianship Course No 1/2002 of the National
Library of the Department of Cultural Institute under the Ministry of Culture
concluded at the National Museum on Pyay Road this afternoon. Present were
Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, directors-general, deputy
directors-general and directors and officials of departments under the
Ministry of Culture, course instructors and trainees. Deputy Minister for
Culture U Soe Nyunt said the course will contribute to development of human
resources and improvement of libraries. It is learnt that due to weakness in
maintenance at libraries, books have been damaged.

 Therefore, arrangements are to be made to preserve books and help
knowledge-seekers and researchers find what they want in a short time. The
course is aimed at remedying weaknesses of libraries and improving them.
Libraries have emerged due to social needs of the nation, and they are
directly concerned with the social objectives of the State and the policy of
the Ministry of Culture. Libraries play an important role in preserving
Myanmar cultural heritage documented in black and white.

 At a time when a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation is being built,
the role of libraries is increasingly greater. Then, the deputy minister
presented first, second and third prizes to assistant curator-3 of the
National Museum Daw Malar Aung, lower-division clerk of the Department of
Cultural Institute Daw Myint Myint Kyi and assistant librarian-3 of the
Department of Cultural Institute (Pathein) Daw Khin Win Kyi respectively.
Director-General of DCI U Myint Thein Swe presented gifts to the course
instructors through Assistant Director of the National Library Daw Kaythi
Htwe. Altogether 22 trainees attended the one-month course.
___________________________

( 8 ) New three-storey building donated

Yangon, 7 March- The opening ceremony of a three-storey building of the
Myanmar Women Development Association (Wingaba) donated by the People and
Government of Japan under the Japan's Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme for
the orphan girls was held at the building on Wingaba Road in Bahan Township
here this morning. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Vice-Chairman of the Yangon City
Development Committee Vice Mayor Col Maung Pa, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar
Mr Shigeru Tsumori and officials, director-general of the Social Welfare
Department and officials, chairperson of MWDA (Wingaba) and executives,
wellwishers and invited guests.

First, the deputy minister, the vice mayor and the ambassador formally opened
the building. Then, the deputy minister and the vice mayor made addresses on
the occasion. Next, Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori explained the purpose of
the donation and handed over the documents related to the building to
Chairperson of the MWDA (Wingabar) Daw Nyunt Nyunt Khin. Chairperson Daw
Nyunt Nyunt Khin presented certificate of honour and fruit basket to the
Japanese ambassador and spoke words of thanks. The new building cost over K
26.6 million.

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Tourists chartered plane leaves

Yangon, 7 March - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and
Tourism, sponsorship of the Ministry of Transport and arrangement of the
Asian Trails Tour Ltd, tourists who arrived at Mandalay International Airport
by a chartered plane Cross Air on 3 March, left there yesterday afternoon
after visiting Mandalay, Amarapura, Sagaing and Bagan-NyaungU where they
studied the Myanma cultural heritage.

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Inter-Ministry Women's Soccer Tournament ends

 Yangon, 7 March - The final match and prizes presentation ceremony of the
Second Inter-Ministry Women's Soccer Tournament (Open) was held at the Youth
Training Centre in Thuwunna this afternoon. Present on the occasion were
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic
Committee Minster for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Yangon
City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Leader of Panel of Patrons of
Myanmar Women's Sports Federation Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members, guests
and fans. In the final match, YCDC team beat Ministry of Home Affairs team
5-4. Leading Patron Daw Yin Yin Mya of MWSF presented the best player award
for today's match to Ma San San Kyu (Home Affairs).

Next, Leading Patrons Daw Khin Hla Hla and Daw Aye Aye presented prizes to
Ministry of Home Affairs team and YCDC team, which stood second and first
respectively. Then, members of panel of patrons of the MWSF presented prizes
to the respective winners. Managing Director U Wai Yan Aung of Kanbawza Bank
Ltd presented K 500,000 and K 1,000,000 to second and first prize winner
teams. Later, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented the trophy to YCDC team, which
stood first.

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( 9 )  287 drug cases exposed in January

Yangon, 7 March - The Tatmadaw, the 287 drug cases exposed in JanuaryMyanmar
Police Force and the Customs Departments exposed 287 drug-related cases in
January 2002. Seizures made by them were 131.1759 kilos of opium in 16 cases,
10.7847 kilos of heroin in 109 cases, 0.0033 kilos of opium oil in five
cases, 0.7455 kilos of low-grade opium in eight cases, 10.1378 kilos of
marijuana in 22 cases, 13 litres of Phensedyl in two cases, 656,281 stimulant
tablets in 71 cases, 157 kilos of Ephedrine in one case, two kilos of
stimulant powder, 1.2 litres of cough syrup in one case, 12.0942 kilos of
opium powder in two cases, 445.508 litres of Acetic Anhydride, 1,227.42
litres of chemical liquid in one case, 28 cases for failure to register and
21 other cases. Action was taken against 388 persons 313 men and 75 women.

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